FESPA 2017 opens today at Messe Hamburg, Germany, with the biggest ever edition of the global print expo. Occupying ten halls at the venue with specific zones for screen, digital and textile print, the all-encompassing event for speciality printers runs from 8 - 12 May 2017.

Throughout the week, thousands of print service providers and signmakers from around the globe will flock to FESPA 2017 to see the latest innovations in technology and consumables from more than 1000 supplier brands, and will witness dozens of product launches.

In keeping with the event's strapline - Dare to Print Different -  visitors to FESPA 2017 can explore and identify the newest equipment, consumables, substrates and applications to see how they can differentiate themselves and expand their business boundaries.

Signmakers and visual communications specialists have the added benefit of the co-located event European Sign Expo for non-printed signage. This year is the event's largest edition to date, with over 200 brands showcasing their solutions for channel lettering, illuminated signage including LED and neon, etching, engraving and dimensional and architectural signage.

FESPA has evolved to become the most significant event for screen and digital printing on textiles for soft signage, garments and decorative applications, with many exhibitors showing solutions for textile printing. This demand is also reflected in a number of vendor preview announcements, which have signaled new products focused in textile printing.

Print service providers looking specifically at diversification opportunities in printed interior décor can draw inspiration from the half-day Printeriors conference on Thursday 11 May, where the possibilities in this fast-growing sector will be explored. Conference speakers will highlight the benefits of using print as a medium for interior design and will also offer real-life examples of how it can transform residential and commercial interiors. To see the full conference programme and to register to attend, visit www.printeriors.net/register-as-a-delegate

Visitor Trails
Tailored trails are available onsite for visitors with an interest in textile printing, printed interior décor, corrugated and signage, showcasing exhibitors with solutions for these applications throughout the show. Visitors will be able to collect their dedicated trail booklet from the registration area in all entrances.

Free Educational Seminars
Visitors can take advantage of the free seminars (located in Hall A4), which will deliver key insights and market knowledge across the sign-making, digital, screen, industrial, textile and interior décor industries. Seminar sessions will run every day of FESPA 2017, led by key industry figureheads drawing on their own experience. Visitors can pick up a seminar programme around the show and can also see details in full here: www.fespa2017.com/fespa-conference-2017

FESPA Print Census
Visitors are encouraged to take part in the second edition of the FESPA Print Census, which was launched in February 2017 at FESPA Asia. The survey aims to gather insight into key trends to understand the challenges the market faces. The final research will be available to members of FESPA's 37 Associations and will also help FESPA shape its future events and exhibitions. To take part in this global research visit the FESPA Print Census booths at FESPA 2017 (located in Hall A, Stand A4/C54B and Hall B Stand B2L-B55)

All print service providers who complete the FESPA Print Census during 2017 can enter a prize draw to win a two-night trip to the FESPA 2018 global print expo in Berlin, with flights and four-star accommodation included. In addition, a gift will be available to the first 500 individuals who complete the survey onsite during FESPA 2017.

Wrap Masters
The best vinyl installers from Europe and further afield will battle it out this week in the World Wrap Masters (Hall B4, stand A10). On the first two show days, the European Wrap Final will take place, where

36 contestants will demonstrate their best skills to become European Wrap Master 2017. The winner and runner-up will go on to participate in the grand final on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 May, where they will be joined by regional and national winners from previous Wrap Masters events in Africa, Asia, Brazil, Turkey and Mexico. During the adrenaline-fueled final on Thursday 11 May at 4pm, finalists will be challenged to wrap one side of a speedboat in 60 minutes. The speedboat will be used by the Haugaard Racing Team in the 2017 World Formula 4 UIM Powerboat Championship, using a specially created design from FESPA competition winner Patrick Charrier of Bazoom Studio, France. On the final day, Friday 12 May, the Wrap Jam interactive showcase will take place, encouraging visiting PSPs to watch and get top tips from some of the world's best installers.

FESPA Awards
In Hall B1 Upper, visitors can see examples of outstandingly effective print in the FESPA Awards showcase, where the shortlisted entries from the Awards are displayed. The FESPA Awards winners will be announced at the FESPA 2017 Celebration Gala Night on Wednesday 10 May at the Grand Elysée hotel.

Roz McGuinness, Divisional Director, FESPA comments: "We're delighted to welcome our global print community here to Hamburg this week at our largest ever FESPA global print expo and European Sign Expo. Our flagship FESPA event here in Europe has a deserved reputation as a launch platform for products that shape the development of the speciality printing sector, and help PSPs to develop creative, diverse and profitable businesses. Many exhibitors are introducing innovations here that will empower yet more print and sign making businesses to boost their productivity, streamline their workflow, add new services and move into lucrative new application areas. This wealth of innovation and supplier expertise under one roof is complemented by FESPA's continued reinvestment to provide a rich programme of free educational content that supports visitors with their business planning and investment decisions. We wish all of our visitors and exhibitors an inspiring and rewarding show."

For more information on FESPA 2017 visit www.fespa2017.com and for all the latest news and highlights from the show follow @FESPA on Twitter.